December 2014 HOM Mini Hacienda Church Occupied Japan

Post by **Tom Hull** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 1:31 am

This is a tiny little Hacienda though it is hard to get a sense of it from a photo and I thought it was close to a usual size but this one measure 4" x 2" and 3" high. What it lacks in size it makes up for in character. It utilizes the same brush technique used in earlier hacienda styles however neither mica nor glass glitter is on this one but instead over the blue paint (only) is a fine now tarnished silver glitter which began to appear in the later 30's but this has an Occupied Japan sticker glued to the bottom. This sold originally for 10 cents and no doubt due to it's small size as post war most were at least a quarter to fifty cents. The roof line intrigues me and It was an attempt to eliminate a separate roof piece. Not entirely successful but an interesting time savings approach. The foryard with its courtyard gate on one this small is interesting. I love how the triangular shape of the peaks of the tower and roof are emphasized and and mutually reinforced.

Post by **Tom Hull** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 1:40 am

Note the tiny round hole for a miniature style lamp. It has been enlarged (not by me) which was useful in replacing the window. It is the exact replacement of what was in here though the logical choice would have been the smallest arched window that was not what was used here. Not the tiny slot windows on the sides of the front door are in fact store tomato red gross grain ribbon. For comparison I have put up another occupied Japan building. The building is an old pre war design by the well recognized company with the paper label stickers that also made the better green spot buildings. Notice the cellophane bottle brush tree was used briefly around this time on Japan houses.

Post by **Tom Hull** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 1:56 am

These last two photos are for size comparison so perhaps you get an idea of the size of this tiny one. So complex for it's miniature size and just a bit over ones intended as ornaments. The photo of the three shows a standard sized one in the middle at 5 1/2" x 3 1/4 and 4" high and on the other end a giant at 7 5/8" x 4 3/4" and 5 3/4" high. The last photo shows a small pre war (1941?) flat based house which is only slightly smaller.

Post by **maria** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:07 am

Can't wait to share later Tom! Thanks.

Post by **Howard** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:08 am

Tom…

I am 100% sure there are those who can put this into words better than I can…but here goes…

Thanks for another “archaeology lesson”…

The details, photos, history and measurements go a long way in helping collectors and those who restore houses…it’s the kind of information that only enhances our hobby…

My very best regards…

Howard…

Post by **paulrace** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 12:08 pm

Tom, thanks for posting. I've never seen this style in one so small. - Paul

Post by **Tom Hull** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:09 pm

Nor have I and it is late as such things go. This is why I bought it. Tom

Post by **Tom Hull** » Tue Nov 25, 2014 9:15 pm

Howard wrote:Tom…

I am 100% sure there are those who can put this into words better than I can…but here goes…

Thanks for another “archaeology lesson”…

The details, photos, history and measurements go a long way in helping collectors and those who restore houses…it’s the kind of information that only enhances our hobby…

My very best regards…

Howard…

I appreciate the kind words. I can tell you read my description's carefully - words count!

I captured some photos on line of a partial set of houses on eBay and these are or were part of a set. I already have most if not all of them and they are fairly common. But more on that later when I figure out where to post them. Tom